Fly in and spend a week in a hotel. Compete against several dozen other players who can defeat you at any given time.If the top players are AWOL that basically tells the promoter what to do with his money. IF this format is supposed to generate interest from fans how long will CSI/Predator/Fargo ride this shootout dog without the very best players? SVB is the US's Tiger Woods of pool. If you were a promoter would you adopt some gimmick rule/format that basically guarantees his non-participation?
Win $4500 if you get in the top 4. Chicken scratch if you don't. Extrapolate this scenario over a year's time. Pretty damned sad is what it is.
Pool is not a professional sport. I'm not sure what it is but it ain't that. It's tougher than growing lettuce in 1930's Oklahoma.
Props to the Michigan welder Jeremy Seamon in the final 8. One spot shot away from sending an 800 fargo "Pro" packing.
I think you have to love pool and hate a day job in equal measures to even consider going "pro" in pool.